Michael (name changed) served his country in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yet when he came home, the warzone came with him. Michael was constantly hyper vigilant, scanning his surroundings for threats, monitoring other people’s actions, and reviewing escape routes.
The skills that were necessary for survival in combat became debilitating at home in a normal situation. Michael’s hyper-alertness was mentally and emotionally taxing, causing severe exhaustion and depression. But he didn’t know how to turn it off.
Like many military veterans, Michael was suffering from PTSD.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder caused by witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. Although often associated with military personnel who have served in active combat situations, PTSD can be triggered by any serious trauma.
Non-military situations that can lead to PTSD include living through a natural disaster, witnessing or experiencing domestic violence, bullying, being involved in a serious accident, or being a victim of rape or sexual assault. PTSD can also be caused by conditions of sustained stress, such as working in a highly stressful or toxic workplace environment.
PTSD is not a single set of symptoms. The disorder varies from person to person. Some people with PTSD will have multiple symptoms while others may only have one symptom of PTSD. The severity of symptoms also varies from person to person.
PTSD is characterized by intense, disturbing thoughts related to the traumatic experience. These recurring thoughts last long after the occurrence of the traumatic event, even when the person experiencing PTSD is now in a safe environment.
The traumatic event may be relived through flashbacks or nightmares. Flashbacks and intrusive thoughts can be triggered by common situations such as loud noises, seeing a person that reminds them of their traumatic event, or being in an environment reminiscent of their traumatic event.
About 1 in 3 people who experience severe trauma will develop PTSD.
In general, PTSD symptoms can be grouped into one of four major symptom classifications: hyperarousal and hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, avoidance behavior, and negative moods and cognitive behavior.
Hyperarousal and Hypervigilance
Hyperarousal is an increased physical and mental alertness, in which the body and mind are always on edge, ready to respond to any threat. Individuals with PTSD who experience hyperarousal may be easily startled, have a disproportionate response when startled (such as reverting to combat responses, for example), or feel like they are always primed for action or constantly on edge. The hyperarousal may interfere with sleeping or cause frequent irritability or outbursts of anger.
Hypervigilance is a specific manifestation of hyperarousal where individuals are constantly monitoring for potential threats. Even in ordinary situations, such as eating at a restaurant, someone experiencing hypervigilance will constantly monitor exits, scan each person entering the restaurant, and frequently look out the window to check for external threats. This constant state of hypervigilance is extremely taxing, both mentally and physically, preventing any type of true relaxation or down time.
Intrusive Thoughts
Hollywood portrayals of PTSD typically involve someone experiencing flashbacks. While in real life the flashbacks may not be as dramatic as those portrayed by Hollywood, individuals with PTSD do experience intrusive thoughts, memories, or nightmares related to the traumatic event.
Flashbacks cause emotional harm by constantly reminding the individual of the traumatic event. Flashbacks can also cause someone to react in a disproportionate or embarrassing manner (diving for cover as a response to a loud sound, for example). When these behaviors happen in a public setting, the embarrassment causes further emotional harm.
Avoidance Behavior
Avoidance behavior involves active attempts to avoid places, people, or activities that could trigger a memory of the traumatic event and bring up a host of negative emotions. While avoidance behavior is a protective mechanism, it can interfere with normal activities and relationships, making it difficult to hold down a job, maintain relationships with friends and family members, or engage in travel or social situations.
Negative Mood and Cognitive Symptoms
People suffering from PTSD may feel strong negative emotions such as fear, guilt, shame, anger, or sadness associated with the traumatic event. Survivor’s guilt, for example, can trouble those who survived a dangerous situation when others did not. These negative emotions can lead to depression, hopelessness, and isolation. These negative emotions can sometimes explode as outbursts of anger, self-loathing, or self-harm.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diseases and disorders of the brain. Psychiatrists help patients achieve better mental health by treating issues such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, postpartum depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, and addiction/dependency issues.
PTSD is commonly treated with medication or therapy. Psychiatrists may also recommend newer, more advanced treatments, such as TMS, which is an effective treatment for PTSD and is covered by TRICARE and TriWest for active duty military and military veterans.
Patients living in Murrieta, Temecula, Wildomar or other locations in Riverside County, California, have access to the latest technology in PTSD at Inland Empire TMS in Murrieta. Inland Empire TMS offers TMS treatment for PTSD, including the latest, state-of-the-art PTSD diagnostic and treatment available.
Patient treatment consists of a full diagnostic evaluation using an EEG brain scan and standard mental health screening assessments. Following a psychiatric evaluation, patients may be recommended for TMS therapy (Transcranial magnetic stimulation). TMS is a highly effective treatment for PTSD and is covered by TRICARE and TriWest insurance.
Many patients prefer TMS over other PTSD treatment options because:
If you are looking for help for PTSD – regardless of cause, whether military-related or not – Inland Empire TMS in Murrieta, California is an excellent choice. Dr. Cox, clinic psychiatrist, is an expert in diagnosing and treating PTSD using the latest diagnostic and treatment tools available.
Inland Empire TMS serves patients in Murrieta, Temecula, Corona, Riverside, and all of Riverside County. Active duty military, military veterans, and their families are especially welcome and receive care and treatment that is informed by the unique circumstances and needs of military members and their families.
Contact Inland Empire TMS today at (951) 228-3743 to schedule an appointment and take the next steps toward healing.
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